Sigma SD1 Merrill DSLR

Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Merrill, the latest high resolution and high image quality digital SLR camera featuring a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) FOVEON X3® direct image sensor.

The SIGMA SD1 Merrill is the flagship model which incorporates a full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. It adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body along with buttons and connected parts sealed with O-rings, enhancing the durability as well as preventing dust and water from getting inside the camera. The Dual TRUE II processing engine and DDR III buffer ensure high speed processing of images without lowering the quality. The 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.

About the generation-name “Merrill”

The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality. As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honour of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.

46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-colour X3 Merrill sensor

The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA SD1 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The FOVEON X3® direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. 

SIGMA Photo Pro 

The supplied image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro”, converts RAW data quickly and easily. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to render desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.

The SD1 Merrill will be available in the UK in mid March.

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RWI

Nikon Introduces the D800 Full Frame DSLR

Press Release: 

London, UK, 7th February 2012 Nikon today announces a groundbreaking new 36.3 megapixel FX-format professional D-SLR, the Nikon D800.

Designed to answer the needs of tomorrow’s photography and video today, the masterful Nikon D800 is packed with new technology that delivers unprecedented levels of depth and detail in photography, and offers all the flexibility necessary to shoot broadcast quality video.

Firmly establishing a league of its own, the Nikon D800 offers imaging potential to rival medium format cameras, but with all of the agility of the D-SLR format — giving professionals who demand attention to detail the freedom to create monumental images.

In an industry first, this exciting launch includes a special edition of the D800 – the Nikon D800E. With a modified optical filter, the D800E offers a unique alternative for those seeking the ultimate in definition.

Key Features

• 36.3 megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
• ISO 100–6400: extendable up to 25,600 (equivalent) and down to 50 (equivalent).
• 4 fps consecutive shooting in FX/5: 4 crop modes. 5 fps in 1.2x/DX crop modes.
• Multi-area D-Movie records FX- and DX-format Full HD (1080p) movies in 30p, 25p and 24p. Max recording time approx. 29 minutes 59 seconds. Offers uncompressed HDMI output to external devices and high-fidelity audio control.
• Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system: individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings. Sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F).
• EXPEED 3 image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
• 8 cm (3.2-in.), 921k-dot LCD monitor with auto brightness control anti-reflective, with wide color reproduction.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering III: 91k pixel AE AF sensor with full-time face recognition.
• 100% viewfinder coverage and three Crop Modes: 5:4, 1.2x and DX-format, with viewfinder masking.
• Quiet shooting mode: perfect for discreet photography, the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism is noticeably reduced.
• Highly accurate and durable shutter unit: standard rating of 200,000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
• Storage media: CF and SD card slots.
• Built-in i-TTL Speedlight: GN / guide number approx. 12, 24mm lens coverage.
• Durable Magnesium alloy body: moisture and dust resistant.
• Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

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EA comments: The D800's 36.3 mega pixel sensor is considerable step up from that offered by the predecessor D700 (with 12 mega pixels). Certainly 12 mega pixels of resolution partnered with a decent lens can render very detailed images for most purposes. The 36.3 mega pixels puts the D800 in competition with medium format digital cameras but will demand use of the best lenses to take full advantage of the high resolution offered by its sensor. The sensor has the additional benefit that a high resolution of 15 mega pixels is available with the use of DX lenses (compared to around 5mp with D700). RWI